Sunday, May 11, 2014

Cowboys DL Tyrone Crawford is Ready to Play

At least three times a week, I am asked about Cowboys defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford. To many Cowboys fans, he represents two things: the future of the Cowboys as well as a bittersweet reminder of an injury-plagued defense that was the worst in franchise history in 2013.

Remember, Crawford tore his achilles tendon on the first day of training camp in 2013. Since then he has been rehabbing, watching game film, working out, studying more game film and repeating that cycle almost daily.

Add to it that the Cowboys lost DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher to free agency and he understands that there is an expectation placed upon him.

"Yeah, I definitely feel a lot of pressure. Those are definitely big shoes to fill," he told me. "I'm ready in any situation to get put in the game whenever its needed and whatever position that could be at."

As for what position he expects to play, that's also in question. Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli has made it clear he could play end or tackle but Crawford has a preference.

"Preferably, defensive end," he admitted. "But if it's defensive tackle I can get down there and play fast."